Confirm the return type and period before preparation

Check registration details, return type, and the period's start and end in the business account. These checks appear on the service page. Do not assume that last year's file or another establishment's information suits the current return.

Zakat liability also depends on the categories and conditions in the Regulations, including company ownership and partners' interests. If the ownership structure differs, establish the treatment first rather than assuming that all companies use the same calculation merely because they hold a commercial registration.

Link the deadline to your own financial year end

For a zakat payer holding accounting records, the Regulations require filing and payment within no more than 120 days after the zakat year end. If the period ends on an official holiday, it extends to the first working day afterwards. ZATCA's calendar also states the return-filing rule of 120 days after the financial year end. Do not adopt a universal calendar date without checking your own year end.

For internal planning, allow time to collect evidence, review balances and approve the draft instead of leaving these tasks until filing day. This is a work schedule, not an additional statutory grace period.

What should you hand over to the specialist firm?

Alongside the service requirements, an organized review file can usefully include:

  • Financial information and the trial balance from which it was prepared.
  • Capital, equity and movements in partners' accounts.
  • Asset, liability and provision schedules with evidence supporting balances.
  • Explanations of differences between current balances and comparatives.
  • The previous return, open review points and relevant correspondence.
  • Related-party transaction information to assess form requirements where applicable.

This is a practical review checklist, not confirmation that each item is automatically added to or deducted from the zakat base. Identify missing information clearly: accounting classification alone does not replace assessment of the zakat treatment.

How is the return submitted?

ZATCA describes the route as signing into the portal, selecting returns and the return to be filed, completing it with financial data, and submitting it. A receipt notification follows by SMS and email. Check the return type and period before carrying out these steps.

For internal follow-up, keep the submitted version, receipt notification and underlying documents, adding payment evidence once paid. Track draft preparation, submission and payment separately rather than using “complete” for all of these stages together.

Your next step with Aleem and the partner firm

Request the Zakat and VAT returns service for preparation of the annual zakat return through an accredited, appropriately licensed partner firm. The client contracts with and pays the firm directly; the firm performs, reviews and approves the professional work. Aleem coordinates documents and follow-up, does not perform or sign licensed professional work, and receives no referral commission. Assessment objections and disputes are excluded.

If balances and system reports are the obstacle, start with an Accounting system health check at SAR 500 excluding VAT. You receive diagnosis and a report of problems identified within the examination scope, not zakat-base calculation, return preparation or financial-statement certification. Any subsequent remediation has a separately agreed scope.

Aleem Consultations